Kentucky's Highly Skilled Educators Program is an innovative approach to school level reform, providing direct, long-term assistance to schools. The Highly Skilled Educators (HSE) cadre assists schools in the implementation of the Standards and Indicators for School Improvement (SISI). In addition, this individual, supported by members of a regional team, assists the school staff as they improve learning for all children and work toward exceeding the school's improvement goal. If you believe in the power of education, if you believe in the future of Kentucky and if you believe that ALL children can learn, you will want to become a part of Kentucky's Highly Skilled Educators team.
Who will be selected?
We are looking for administrators and classroom teachers who are recognized as leaders and have shown high levels of professional competence and who represent Kentucky's diverse workforce.
What is the eligibility criteria?
Applicants shall have:
--> Kentucky certification
-->Minimum of 5 years experience as an educator
--> Experience as an educator within the last 3 years
--> Knowledge of current educational practice in Kentucky
--> Working knowledge of the Standards and Indicators for School Improvement
--> Ability to work with peers
--> Personal integrity
--> Good judgment
--> Ability to solve problems
--> Ability to provide leadership
--> Commitment to accept a two year assignment
--> Readiness to model lessons in classrooms
--> Willingness to travel
--> Acceptance as a condition of employment the requirement to have high speed Internet service at home (consisting of cable modem, DSL, or satellite)
--> Current full-time employment with a Kentucky school district
What is the selection process?
All applicants who (1) meet the eligibility criteria and (2) complete the following tasks by the established deadlines stated on the application will be invited to participate in the selection process.
(a) Submit a complete application
(b) Submit a resume
(c) Submit four confidential references
(d) Submit a map showing current home and work county locations and travel availability if selected as an HSE
The selection process for the 2009-10 school year is underway with the posting of this notice and the application forms. This current selection process will conclude by April 2009.
Selection Process:
Step 1: Written Assessment -> Open response questions are designed and double blind scored by KDE personnel.
Step 2: Performance Events -> Applicants who advance from Step 1 participate in a full day assessment, which includes a simulated HSE experience, delivery of a professional development session, and technology assessment; and submission of a video of a lesson presentation.
Step 3: Background Check through the Kentucky State Police Agency -> A thorough Criminal Background Check is completed.
Step 4: Reference Checks -> KDE Personnel conduct reference checks for the applicants who advance from Step 3.
Step 5: Site Visits -> KDE representative make visits to work sites of all applicants who advance from Step 4. The site visit includes shadowing the applicant and interviews with applicants, colleagues, students and supervisors.
Who will be my employer?
HSEs continue to receive their salary, with no loss of benefits, through their home school districts. The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) signs a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the HSEs' home districts on an annual basis. MOAs are renewable for a second year and may be renewable for a third. Current law requires HSEs be guaranteed a position with their employing district upon leaving the program.
How does the Highly Skilled Educators Program promote leadership opportunities?
The Highly Skilled Educators Program in conjunction with the University of Kentucky provides an opportunity for participants to earn leadership certifications as principal, instructional supervisor and superintendent.
What is the salary for a Highly Skilled Educator?
HSEs receive 135% of their current daily salary for 235 days of employment. The additional 35% is not calculated into retirement benefits. Currently, first year salaries are capped at $100,000.
To apply for the Highly Skilled Educators Program, complete and return the Application, Confidential Questionnaire, and Map. A three page resume covering all past educational experiences with date and employers must also be submitted. All these forms are attached below.
Applications are currently being accepted for consideration in the selection of new HSEs. The deadline for submission of all application forms is October 31, 2008.